Latent Prints Forensic Science T. Trimpe 2007 http://sciencespot.net/

Latent prints are impressions left by friction ridge skin on a surface, such as a tool handle, glass, door, etc. Prints may be collected by revealing them with a dusting of black powder and then lifted with a piece of clear tape. Click here to view video over lifting prints with black powde4r Did you know? Camel hair is the most common animal hair used to make fingerprint brushes. Now many brushes (like the one above) are made out of fiberglass.

Some investigators use fluorescent powder and UV lights to help them find latent prints on multi-colored or dark surfaces. Magnetic powder can also be used to reveal latent prints. This type of powder works better on shiny surfaces or plastic baggies or containers. (Click here to view video demonstration) The cyanoacrylate fuming method (often called the super glue method) is a procedure that is used to develop latent fingerprints on a variety of objects. (Click here to view video demonstration) Ninhydrin is a chemical that bonds with the amino acids in fingerprints and will produce a blue or purple color. It is used to lift prints from surfaces such as paper and cardboard. Top Left: http://www.stapletonandassociates.com/images/MagPowder.jpg Bottom Left: http://www.ok.gov/osbi/images/ninhydrin%20print.jpg Bottom Right: http://www.forensicsrus.com/images/SupergluePrint.jpg